Who can be a Living Donor?
As long as a person meets the transplant center requirements or Selection Criteria, anyone 18 years or older can become a living donor.

What are the requirements or the Selection Criteria for Living Donors?
Living donors must be over 18 years of age and in good health. People with diabetes are not considered to be good donors because of their own risk for having kidney problems. Individuals with high blood pressure that is not controlled are also not good candidates.

What are the benefits of receiving a Living Donor transplant?
While the person donating (living donor) does not receive any money or benefits for donating a kidney, a donor will often report feeling a sense of fulfillment and increased self-esteem after their donation. The person receiving the kidney (recipient) usually has a longer life span and better overall health.

What is the process for Living Donors?
Living donors must submit an application. Once the Living Donor Coordinator has decided that a person may be good candidate based on the information from the application, the living donor will attend a class to learn more about the process. If the person agrees to continue, they then have tests and evaluations to determine if they would be a good donor.

What tests does the Living Donor Evaluation include?
Some of the tests that are required for an evaluation include blood work, urine samples, ultrasounds, x-rays, and stress tests.